CGIAR

Research on Crops

CGIAR works across a range of staple food crops on which world food supply depends, and especially staple crops important in the food economies of poorer nations. Our research aims to make supplies of basic foods in developing countries dependable and to lessen poverty. Improving the productivity and the quality of the crops farmers grow and the ways they grow them helps farmers in developing countries in several ways. They produce more, and what they produce has better quality and is more nutritious. This leads to better health and opens up opportunities to become part of global market chains. Crops fetch better prices and so farmers earn more and inject more cash into rural economies, driving rural development. Better cropping practices protect the environment, use natural resources wisely and mean that farmers are better prepared to deal with variable and changing climatic conditions.

You can find out about the origin and use of the crops we research, their production and nutritional value, how CGIAR Research Centers have improved these crops and the difference this has made, by following the links below. You will also find links to sources of further information.